The early disciples of Jesus were called followers of The Way before they were ever known as Christians. This is important (and great!) because it tells us that Christianity is meant to be a journey, a daily walk, a way to walk rather than a religious institution or set of behaviours to try to be perfect. This study looks at Israel’s journey from slavery to freedom in parallel to our story and our journey with God. It is designed to simply help you do the journey and discover some great things along The Way.
Today we start a new series, “A Funny Thing Happened Along the Way in Israel”, which has been
prepared by Catrina Henderson. Catrina is an Aussie girl living in Tel Aviv pioneering and pastoring Hillsong Israel.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Matt 4:19
Reflection: The Way – The earliest disciples were called followers of The Way, which is important because Christianity was never meant to be just another religion, but a Way. It’s both a journey and the path you walk on. It’s not static but in constant motion; it’s not just one choice but a lifetime of choices. We’ve not reached our destination, our best life, our God-given potential but we are always on the way … and we are called to make a way for others to join us. We are
called to follow not formulate … follow the way of the One who is The Way … The Truth and The Life. In Matt 4:19 Jesus said “Come follow me,” to his first disciples, and he says the same to us today. It’s a walk with him and we’re all just on the way. It’s not always easy but it’s always that simple.
Questions: In what ways may you have overcomplicated what following Jesus looks like?
Prayer: Father, thank you that you sent Jesus to show us The Way and that by your grace and through your Spirit we can walk with him daily. Help us, Holy Spirit, to simply walk with Jesus every day. May we be followers of The Way and may we show others the way too.
We’re
reading the Bible until 16th June with Catrina Henderson, an Aussie girl living in Tel Aviv pioneering and pastoring Hillsong Israel.